Reinforced securing device

ABSTRACT

The present invention features a securing device for securing at least one object for storage or transport, wherein the securing device comprises: (a) an elongate bendable member having first and second ends, the elongate bendable member comprising at least one inelastically deformable component having load bearing capabilities, and means for reinforcing the inelastically deformable component, wherein the means for reinforcing is situated about at least a portion of the inelastically deformable component, and wherein the means for reinforcing also has load bearing capabilities that contribute to the overall securing capabilities or strength of the securing device. The securing device further features a first loop provided at a first end of the elongate bendable member and a second loop provided at a second end of the elongate bendable member, wherein the first and second loops are deformable and configured to receive a loop of the same or another securing device. Several connection configurations are made possible by the present invention securing device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to bendable securing, binding, retaining,or tying devices configured to secure one or more objects or itemseither together or to at least one other item or object for storage ortransport. More particularly, the present invention relates to areinforced double loop twist tie configured for the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART

Several types of securing devices, having some type of relation to thepresent invention, that are used for bundling, securing, hanging, and/ortying one or more objects together or to another object exist in theart. For example, wire ties exist in the art that comprise nothing but ametal wire or other similar flexible material. The strength of the wiretie lies solely in the inherent strength characteristics or propertiesof the wire itself. Thus, if the wire tie breaks or fails under theapplied load, the secured state of the object or item being secured bythe wire tie is compromised as there is no structural element orelements present to serve as reinforcement or as a backup. Typically,the wire tie will fail when the inherent tensile strength of the wire isexceeded by the applied load.

Other wire ties exist where the core flexible wire is contained within adecorative or protective material, such as plastic or fabric. In thiscase, the wire tie is still limited in strength by the inherent strengthproperties of the flexible wire itself as the encasing material is notdesigned to bear anything but a nominal load. Indeed, these protectivematerials have been used primarily for one or more of the followingreasons: to improve the appearance of the wire tie, to improve the gripof the wire tie, to protect the user from the sharp wire ends, toeliminate contact with the flexible wire, to protect the flexible wirefrom corrosion, etc.

Still another type of wire tie that exists utilizes rigid loops on itsend. These loops function to provide the user with additionalflexibility by broadening the potential uses of the wire tie. However,the loops are limited in their application and in their uses by the factthat they are rigid. One of the most evident limitations is that theloops are incapable of receiving each other. In other words, one loop isincapable of being inserted into and passed through the other loop dueto their rigid nature and the fact that they are generally of equalsize. Therefore, the loops serve limited functions. In one aspect, theymay facilitate other objects to be hung or clipped onto the loops. Inanother object, they may be used as leverage points that receive aspecial tool designed to facilitate the twisting of the twist-tie arounditself. However, inherently, they do little, if anything, to increasethe securing advantages of the wire tie when used alone.

The present invention is also related to elastic securing devices, suchas bungee cords, etc. Although employing useful hooked ends, andalthough several of these devices may be coupled together for increasedlength, these types of securing devices are limited in that they areunable to maintain a bent shape. Instead, they are highly elastic andrequire some degree of an induced or applied tension force to functionproperly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the problems and deficiencies inherent in the prior art, thepresent invention seeks to overcome these by providing a reinforceddouble loop securing device.

Although several objects of some of the various exemplary embodimentsare specifically recited herein, these should not be construed aslimiting the scope of the present invention in any way. Indeed, it iscontemplated that each of the various exemplary embodiments comprisesother objects that are not specifically recited herein. These otherobjects will be apparent to and appreciated by one of ordinary skill inthe art upon practicing the invention as taught and described herein.

In accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly describedherein, the present invention features a securing device for securing atleast one object for storage or transport, wherein the securing devicecomprises: (a) an elongate bendable member having first and second ends,the elongate bendable member comprising at least one inelasticallydeformable component having load bearing capabilities, and means forreinforcing the inelastically deformable component, wherein the meansfor reinforcing is situated about at least a portion of theinelastically deformable component, and wherein the means forreinforcing also has load bearing capabilities that contribute to theoverall securing capabilities or strength of the securing device; (b) afirst loop provided at a first end of the elongate bendable member; and(c) a second loop provided at a second end of the elongate bendablemember.

The present invention further features a securing device for securing atleast one object for storage or transport, wherein the securing devicecomprises: (a) an elongate bendable member having first and second ends,the elongate bendable member comprising at least one inelasticallydeformable component having load bearing capabilities, and means forreinforcing the inelastically deformable component, wherein the meansfor reinforcing is situated about at least a portion of theinelastically deformable component, and wherein the means forreinforcing also has load bearing capabilities that contribute to theoverall securing capabilities or strength of the securing device.

The securing device may further comprise a plurality of reinforcementfibers adjacent the flexible wire, wherein the reinforcement fibers alsocomprise load bearing capabilities that are configured to furtherreinforce the flexible wire and the reinforcement sheath, thus furtherincreasing the overall strength of the securing device.

The present invention still further features a securing device forsecuring at least one object for storage or transport, wherein thesecuring device comprises: (a) an elongate flexible member having firstand second ends; (b) a first loop provided at the first end of theelongate bendable member; (c) a second loop provided at the second endof the elongate bendable member, wherein the first and second loops aresized and configured to be inserted into and pass through one another,thus creating and forming at least one securing configuration.

The present invention also features several methods of use. In oneaspect, the present invention features a method for securing an objectcomprising: (a) providing a first securing device comprising an elongatebendable member having first and second ends, wherein the elongatebendable member comprises an inelastically deformable component havingload bearing capabilities, and means for reinforcing the inelasticallydeformable component also having load bearing capabilities forreinforcing the flexible wire and increasing the overall securingcapabilities or strength of the securing device; and (b) manipulatingsaid securing member about an object to support said object.

In another aspect, the present invention features a method for securingan object comprising: (a) providing a first securing device comprisingan elongate bendable member and first and second loops located atopposing ends of the elongate bendable member, wherein the first andsecond loops are configured to be inserted into and pass through eachother, thus creating and forming at least one securing configuration;(b) inserting the first loop (or second loop) through the second loop(or first loop) to create a retaining loop; and (c) manipulating thesecuring device to secure and support an object within the retainingloop.

The method just described further comprises inserting the retaining loopthrough the first loop to create a second or dual retaining loops.

Furthermore, the method just described further comprises interconnectinga second securing device to the first securing device to create avariety of securing configurations, wherein the second securing devicealso comprises an elongate bendable member and first and second loopslocated at opposing ends of the elongate bendable member. In oneexemplary securing configuration, the step of interconnecting comprisesinserting a first loop of the first securing device through a first loopof the second securing device. In another exemplary securingconfiguration, the step of interconnecting comprises (a) inserting afirst loop of the first securing device through a first loop of thesecond securing device; and (b) inserting a second loop of the secondsecuring device through the first loop of the first securing device. Instill another exemplary securing configuration, the step ofinterconnecting comprises inserting a first loop of the first securingdevice through the first and second loops of the second securing device.The method may further comprise inserting a portion of the elongatebending member of the second securing device through the first andsecond loops of the first securing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully apparent from the followingdescription and appended claims, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings merely depictexemplary embodiments of the present invention they are, therefore, notto be considered limiting of its scope. It will be readily appreciatedthat the components of the present invention, as generally described andillustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in awide variety of different configurations. Nonetheless, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a general perspective view of the present inventionreinforced double loop securing device according to one exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cut-away view of the elongate bendablemember of an exemplary reinforced double loop securing device having aflexible wire reinforced by a reinforcement sheath, wherein thecombination of these are encased within a protective coating;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial cut-away view of the elongate bendablemember of another exemplary reinforced double loop securing devicehaving a flexible wire reinforced by a plurality of parallel runningreinforcement strands as well as a reinforcement sheath containing thewire and reinforcement strands, wherein the combination of these areencased within a protective coating;

FIG. 4 illustrates one exemplary configuration for forming a loop withinthe securing device, wherein an end of the elongate bendable member isdoubled over on itself and crimped to another portion of the elongatebendable member with a crimping member;

FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary configuration for forming a loopwithin the securing device, wherein an end of the elongate bendablemember is doubled over on itself and wrapped around another portion ofthe elongate bendable member;

FIG. 6 illustrates one exemplary connection configuration, wherein twoseparate securing devices are coupled together to effectively create asecuring device having an increased length and looped ends;

FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary connection configuration, whereinthe securing device 10-a is used to secure an object within its createdloop;

FIG. 8 illustrates still another exemplary connection configuration,wherein the securing device is used to secure multiple objects withinits created loops;

FIG. 9-A illustrates one exemplary alternative embodiment for providinga hook on an end of the elongate member of the securing device;

FIG. 9-B illustrates one exemplary alternative embodiment for providinga removable or detachable loop on an end of the elongate member of thesecuring device;

FIG. 9-C illustrates one exemplary alternative embodiment for providinga loop on an end of the elongate member that selectively opens andcloses; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a securing device having means for reinforcingimplemented therein, with free ends.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of theinvention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form apart hereof and in which are shown, by way of illustration, exemplaryembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. While theseexemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art practice the invention, it should be understood thatother embodiments may be realized and that various changes to theinvention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through10, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, butis presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation todescribe the features and characteristics of the present invention, toset forth the best mode of operation of the invention, and tosufficiently enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be defined solelyby the appended claims.

The following detailed description and exemplary embodiments of theinvention will be best understood by reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein the elements and features of the invention aredesignated by numerals throughout.

The present invention describes a method and device for securing,binding, tying, or retaining one or more objects. Specifically, thepresent invention provides or features a reinforced double loop securingdevice (hereinafter “securing device”). The securing device is comprisedof a flexible, semi-rigid, and shape forming material (e.g., a flexiblewire), meaning that it is capable of being manipulated or bent intovarious maintainable or retainable positions. In other words, thesecuring device of the present invention can be said to comprise aninelastically deformable material capable of maintaining any shape intowhich it is manipulated or bent.

With reference to FIG. 1, illustrated is a perspective view of asecuring device according to one exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown, the securing device 10 comprises, generally, anelongate bendable member 12 comprised of an inelastically deformablecomponent (not shown), such as a flexible wire, encased within areinforcement sheath (not shown), each of which are contained within aprotective outer coating 48, such as a rubber or any non-slip polymercoating. Provided on a first end 14 of the elongate bendable member 12is a first loop 18. Likewise, provided on a second end 16 of theelongate bendable member 12 is a second loop 26. In one aspect, firstand second loops 18 and 26 may be integrally formed from the first andsecond ends 14 and 16 of the elongate bendable member 12. In anotheraspect, first and second loops 18 and 26 may be separate structuralelements that are removably coupled or detachable from first and secondends 14 and 16 of the elongate bendable member 12.

First and second loops 18 and 26 are flexible or semi-rigid, and areconfigured to form eyelets 22 and 30, respectively. Eyelets 22 and 30may comprise any size, but will preferably be sized accordingly suchthat they are capable of receiving the opposing loop of the samesecuring device, or one or more of the loops of a different or separatesecuring device. Thus, the first loop 18, with its eyelet 22 isconfigured to receive therethrough the second loop 26, and vice versa.Alternatively, either of the first and second loops 18 and 26 areconfigured to receive one or more of the loops of a different orseparate securing device, depending upon the particular connection orsecuring configuration desired or required. This concept and the variousconnection or securing configurations made possible by the presentinvention are discussed in greater detail below.

As indicated above, the inelastically deformable component may compriseany material capable of being repeatedly bent into various shapes orpositions as known by those skilled in the art, such as a flexiblemetallic wire, wherein each shape or position is intrinsically retainedor maintained, meaning that the securing device holds that shape untilbent into another subsequent position. The inelastically deformablecomponent is also intended to comprise a range of load bearingcapabilities, and particularly tension load bearing capabilities, thatallow the securing device to secure loads having masses that fall withinthat range. As the securing device may be made with a variety ofdifferent types, sizes, forms, and compositions of inelasticallydeformable material, and thus with different load bearing capabilities,various securing devices may be made, each having different securingcapabilities. The load bearing capabilities of the inelasticallydeformable component are most likely pre-determined and directly relatedto its material makeup, type, size, formation, etc., as will berecognized by one skilled in the art.

In another embodiment, multiple or a plurality of inelasticallydeformable components may be used collectively or formed in combinationwith one another to form the securing device. It is contemplated thateach of the individual deformable components will comprisepre-determined load bearing capabilities that will contribute to thegreater collective load bearing capabilities of the securing device uponforming or assembling each of the individuals components together andusing them in a collective manner, also as known by those skilled in theart.

The securing device 10 further comprises means for reinforcing theinelastically deformable material that contributes to the strength andoverall load bearing capabilities of the securing device 10. Althoughthe strength or load bearing capabilities of the securing device 10 arederived primarily from the inelastically deformable material, the meansfor reinforcing the inelastically deformable material is configured tofunction as a secondary support component having a measure orpre-determined degree of load bearing capabilities that supports orbacks up the inelastically deformable material in one or more ways. Forexample, depending on its material makeup, the means for reinforcing maybe designed to bolster the overall load bearing capability of thesecuring device 10 by bearing a portion of the secured load inconjunction with the inelastically deformable material. In anotheraspect, the means for reinforcing may function as a backup in the eventthe inelastically deformable material fails under a load or otherwise.Essentially, the ability of the present invention securing device tosecure and support a load is increased or improved as a result of thepresence of the means for reinforcing.

The means for reinforcing may comprise many different types and maycomprise many different forms, configurations, materials, etc. In oneexemplary embodiment, the means for reinforcing comprises a highstrength, flexible, low elongation fabric, such as nylon in the form ofa reinforcement sheath completely surrounding or encasing theinelastically deformable component core. Some of the types of materialsthat may be used are nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and other similarmaterials, as well as blends of these materials. Other exemplarymaterials include combinations of fibers, including Kevlar®, Spectra®and Technora®. The configuration of the means for reinforcing may be asa sheath, or it may be as a plurality of ribs formed or bonded to theinelastically deformable material. Other similar means for reinforcingthe inelastically deformable component(s) will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art.

As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the securing devicemay comprise many different sizes and may comprise many differentstrength ratings. Indeed, the loops of the securing device may be of anysize, the length of the elongate bendable member may be of any size, andthe securing device may be designed with any load bearing capability.

One particular advantageous feature of the present invention is asecuring device having the combination of flexible looped ends, as wellas an overall reinforced material makeup as just described. FIGS. 2 and3 illustrate partial cut-away views of the elongate bendable member,according to two different exemplary embodiments. Specifically, FIGS. 2and 3 illustrate partial cut-away views of the elongate bendable member,each incorporating different means for reinforcing the inelasticallydeformable or flexible wire component(s) of the securing device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment, wherein the elongatebendable member 12 of the securing device 10 comprises an inelasticallydeformable component, shown as flexible wire 40. Situated about at leasta portion of the flexible wire 40 is means for reinforcing theinelastically deformable component in the form of a reinforcing sheath44 that surrounds or encases the flexible wire 40. The reinforcingsheath 44 may comprise one of several types of flexible load bearingmaterials, but will preferably comprise a nylon or other strength orload bearing material, such as those identified above. The flexible wire40 and the reinforcing sheath 44 are further surrounded by or encasedwithin a protective coating 48, which may comprise any type of coatingknown in the art. One particular example of a protective coating is atextured rubber coating that provides both weatherproofing and improvedgripping characteristics to the securing device 10.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the elongatebendable member 12 of the securing device 10, wherein the elongatebendable member 12 comprises an inelastically deformable component, alsoshown as flexible wire 40. Also situated about at least a portion of theflexible wire 40 is means for reinforcing the inelastically deformablecomponent in the form of a reinforcing sheath 44 surrounding or encasingthe flexible wire 40. The reinforcing sheath 44 may comprise one ofseveral types of flexible load bearing materials as discussed herein. Inaddition, unlike the embodiment in FIG. 2, the embodiment of theelongate bendable member 12 as shown in FIG. 3 further comprises aplurality of reinforcement strands 52 situated about the flexible wire40. These reinforcement strands 52 may be considered tertiary supportcomponents as they also comprise load bearing capabilities that furthercontribute to the overall strength of the securing device 10 (along withprimary support component flexible wire 40, and secondary supportcomponent reinforcing sheath 44). The reinforcement strands 52 are alsoflexible so that they can bend with the inelastically deformablecomponent. The material makeup of the reinforcement strands 52 may beany known in the art, and will typically be similar to the means forreinforcing discussed above, such as nylon. In addition, thereinforcement strands 52 may be situated about the flexible wire 40 inany conceivable orientation, such as parallel to, coiled around, orotherwise oriented about the flexible wire 40. As shown in FIG. 3,reinforcement strands 52 are oriented to run parallel to the flexiblewire 40. Finally, similar to the embodiment in FIG. 2, the flexible wire40, the reinforcing sheath 44, and the plurality of reinforcementstrands 52 may be further surrounded by or encased within a protectivecoating 48.

FIG. 4 illustrates one exemplary embodiment for providing a loop 18 onthe end 14 of the securing device 10, wherein the end 14 of the elongatebendable member 12 is doubled over upon itself and crimped to anotherportion of the elongate bendable member 12 with a crimping member 60,which may be any crimping, clamping, or other similar device known inthe art capable of securing the end 14 to another portion of theelongate bendable member 12 to form the loop 18. In this embodiment, theloop 18 is integrally formed with the elongate bendable member 12,meaning that the loop 18 is an extension of or formed from the elongatebendable member 12 and/or the inelastically deformable component 40.Although shown with the reinforcing means (reinforcement sheath 44 andreinforcement strands 52) and the protective coating 48 pulled away, theloop 18 may comprise all of the same reinforcing means included ordisposed about the elongate bendable member 12, such as a reinforcementsheath, various reinforcement strands, etc. The loop 18 may furthercomprise the same or a similar protective coating, also as disposedabout the elongate bendable member 12. These are represented by thedotted lines in FIG. 4. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary securing device10, wherein each of the loops 18 and 26 include or have disposedthereabout reinforcing means and a protective coating.

FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary configuration for providing a loop18 on the end 14 of the securing device 10, wherein the end 14 of theelongate bendable member 12 is doubled over upon itself and wrappedaround or otherwise engaged with another portion of the elongatebendable member 12 to secure the end 14 to the elongate bendable member12. In this embodiment, the loop 18 is also integrally formed with theelongate bendable member 12, meaning that the loop 18 is an extension ofor formed from the elongate bendable member 12 and/or the inelasticallydeformable component 40. Although shown with the reinforcing means(reinforcement sheath 44 and reinforcement strands 52) and theprotective coating 48 pulled away, the loop 18 may comprise all of thesame reinforcing means included or disposed about the elongate bendablemember 12, such as a reinforcement sheath, various reinforcementstrands, etc. The loop 18 may further comprise the same or a similarprotective coating, also as disposed about the elongate bendable member12. These are represented by the dotted lines in FIG. 4. FIG. 1illustrates an exemplary securing device 10, wherein each of the loops18 and 26 include or have disposed thereabout reinforcing means and aprotective coating.

Integrally forming the loops with the elongate bendable member may be bytwisting, crimping, gluing, tying, or otherwise securely attaching theends of the elongate bendable member to another portion of the elongatebendable member.

The following examples are illustrative of several various connection orsecuring configurations made possible by the present invention securingdevice. These examples are only intended to be illustrative of some ofthe many possible connection or securing configurations, and are thusnot meant to be limiting in any way. Indeed, one skilled in the art willrecognize other connection or securing configurations made possible byemploying one or more securing devices to secure one or more objectsthat are not specifically recited herein, each of which are intended tobe covered by and within the scope of protection of the presentinvention.

EXAMPLE ONE

FIG. 6 illustrates one exemplary connection configuration, wherein twoseparate securing devices are coupled together to effectively create asecuring device having an increased length and looped ends. In thisparticular embodiment, a first loop 18-a of a first securing device 10-ais inserted through an eyelet 30-b of a second loop 26-b of a secondsecuring device 10-b. Following this, a first loop 18-b of the secondsecuring device 10-b is inserted through an eyelet 22-a of the firstloop 18-a of the first securing device 10-a. Doing this causes theelongate bendable member 12-a of the first securing device 10-a to becontained within the first loop 18-b of the second securing device 10-b.Likewise, this causes the elongate bendable member 12-b of the secondsecuring device 10-b to be contained within the first loop 18-a of thefirst securing device 10-a. To tightly interlock the first and secondsecuring devices 10-a and 10-b together, the first and second securingdevices 10-a and 10-b may be pulled away from one another, which causesthe first loop 18-a of the first securing device 10-a to engage thesecond loop 26-b of the second securing device 10-b. In this connectionconfiguration, the first and second securing devices 10-a and 10-bfunction as a single securing device effectively having two looped ends,namely first loop 18-b and second loop 26-a, as well as a longer lengththan each of the individual securing devices used. As such, thelengthened securing device may function in any manner as other securingdevices generally described herein.

EXAMPLE Two

FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary connection configuration, whereinthe securing device 10 is used to secure an object 2 a within aretaining loop 70 created by inserting the second loop 26 of thesecuring device 10 through the eyelet 22 of the first loop 18. Thiscauses the elongate bendable member 12, or at least a portion thereof,to be contained within the first loop 18 as shown. The retaining loop70, once formed, may be manipulated or resized as needed to properlysecure the object 2 therein. This is typically done by further pulling agreater portion of the elongate bendable member 12 through the firstloop 18. Stated differently, the first loop 18 is configured to slidealong the elongate bendable member 12 aft of the second loop 26. In oneaspect, the retaining loop 70 may be sized until the portion of theelongate bendable member 12 forming the retaining loop 70 is secureagainst the object 2. In another aspect, the object 2 may be hung from aloosely fitting retaining loop 70.

EXAMPLE THREE

Another exemplary connection configuration may comprise that achieved byinserting a loop of a first securing device through a loop of a secondsecuring device, without further interlocking the first and secondsecuring devices together as described in Example One above. In thisconnection configuration, the elongate bendable member of the firstsecuring device may slide back and forth within the loop of the secondsecuring device as needed. In addition, various other connectionconfigurations may be achieved from this connection configuration.

EXAMPLE FOUR

Another exemplary connection configuration may comprise that achieved byinserting a first loop of a first securing device through first andsecond loops of a second securing device. In this connectionconfiguration, the elongate bendable member of the first securing devicemay slide back and forth within the first and second loops of the secondsecuring device as needed. In addition, various other connectionconfigurations may be achieved from this connection configuration.

EXAMPLE FIVE

FIG. 8 illustrates still another exemplary connection configuration,wherein the securing device is used to secure first and second objects2-a and 2-b within retaining loops 70-a and 70-b. First retaining loop70-a is created by inserting the first loop 18 through the eyelet 30 ofthe second loop 26. This causes the elongate bendable member 12, or atleast a portion thereof, to be contained within the second loop 26 asshown. Second retaining loop 70-b is created by inserting the firstretaining loop 70-a through the eyelet 22 of the first loop 18 andpulling it and the second loop 26 through the first loop 18 until thefirst loop 18 is caused to slide along the elongate bendable member 12as shown. This causes the elongate bendable member 12 to be containedwithin both the first and second loops 18 and 26 and to form the firstand second retaining loops 70-a and 70-b, or in other words, this causesthe first and second loops 18 and 26 to be slidable along the elongatebendable member 12, respectively. As such, first and second retainingloops 70-a and 70-b may be resized to accommodate loads 2-a and 2-b.

FIG. 9-A illustrates an exemplary alternative embodiment, wherein thesecuring device 10 comprises a hook, or open loop configuration. Thehook or open loop comprises a section break 78, wherein access to theeyelet of the hook or open loop may be directly obtained. The hook isalso shown as being detachable via coupling member 76, which may be anyknown in the art.

FIG. 9-B illustrates another exemplary alternative embodiment, whereinthe securing device 10 comprises a structurally independent loop 80 thatremovably couples or that is detachable from the end 14 of the elongatebendable member 12 of the securing device 10. Loop 80 couples to the end14 of the elongate bendable member 12 in accordance with any known meansin the art. In the particular embodiment shown, loop 80 comprises ametal retainer 84 that secures the loop. The metal retainer 84 furthercomprises a threaded recess (not shown) configured to receive the matingthreaded insert 88 coupled to the end 14 of the elongate bendablemember. As such, loop 80 may be attached and detached as desired. Loop80 is also preferably deformable or flexible and configured to receive aloop of the same or another securing device as discussed herein.However, loop 80 may comprise a rigid loop as well.

FIG. 9-C illustrates still another exemplary alternative embodiment,wherein the securing device 10 comprises a loop 92 having a sectionbreak 96 formed within the loop structure that is configured to provideselective access to an eyelet of the loop 92 through the section break96. The opening of or access to the section break 96 is selectivelycontrolled via closing means as commonly known in the art. In thisparticular example, closing means comprises a thumb screw 98 thatdisplaces to open and close the section break 96. In a closed position,the thumb screw 98 threads onto the threaded end 100 formed in the loop92. Other closing means are well known in the art and not specificallydiscussed herein, but are intended to fall within the scope of thepresent invention as claimed.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, whereinthe securing device is comprised of an elongate bendable member 112 andfirst free end 114 and second free end 116. Elongate bendable member 112further comprises reinforcing means in the form of a reinforcementsheath 144 that surrounds or encases a plurality of reinforcementstrands 152, also part of the reinforcing means. The reinforcementsheath 144 and the reinforcement strands 152 encase the inelasticallydeformable component, shown as flexible wire 140. At each of the ends114 and 116 is located an end wrap 156 configured to contain the variouscomponents of the elongate bendable member 112. Operation of thisembodiment to secure an object is primarily achieved by manipulating theelongate bendable member about the object, followed by twisting theelongate bendable member 112 about itself until the object is secure.One skilled in the art will recognize the various connectionconfigurations that may be achieved with the securing device of FIG. 10.

Referring back to FIG. 1, other embodiments of the securing device 10may comprise, and the present invention further features, a color codingsystem to assist the user in identifying the components of one or moresecuring devices when in use. This is particularly useful in the eventmultiple securing devices are used in combination with one another tosecure one or more items. A color coding system may be useful for avariety of reasons, which will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Asshown in FIG. 1, the first loop 18 of the securing device 10 comprises afirst color, labeled as color A, and the second loop 26 of the securingdevice 10 comprises a second color, labeled as color B. Colors A and Bmay comprise any color, but will typically comprise different colorsthat easily distinguish the first loop 18 from the second loop 26, suchas red and black. Alternatively, the first and second loops 18 and 26 ofthe securing device 10 may comprise the same color, with the intentbeing to manufacture several securing devices having looped ends of thesame color, but providing several colors between different betweensecuring devices. Thus, a first securing device having looped ends ofone color may be strategically used with a second or multiple additionalsecuring devices, each having looped ends of the same color, butdifferent from the color of the looped ends of the other securingdevices. Using a color coding system, such as those described above,will enable the user to systematically couple multiple securing devicestogether while eliminating confusion as to which looped ends belong towhich securing device. This may aid the user in determining whichsecuring device to manipulate at the appropriate time.

Some of the advantages of the present invention securing device include,but are not limited to, a double loop reinforced securing device thatprovides at least primary and secondary load bearing support components,a protective coating that improves grip and does not damage or marobject surfaces, loops that are deformable and that are configured toreceive the loops of the same or another securing device, and others.

The foregoing detailed description describes the invention withreference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will beappreciated that various modifications and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as set forth in theappended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings areto be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, andall such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall withinthe scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein.

More specifically, while illustrative exemplary embodiments of theinvention have been described herein, the present invention is notlimited to these embodiments, but includes any and all embodimentshaving modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects acrossvarious embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would beappreciated by those in the art based on the foregoing detaileddescription. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadlybased the language employed in the claims and not limited to examplesdescribed in the foregoing detailed description or during theprosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed asnon-exclusive. For example, in the present disclosure, the term“preferably” is non-exclusive where it is intended to mean “preferably,but not limited to.” Any steps recited in any method or process claimsmay be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presentedin the claims. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitationswill only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of thefollowing conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or“step for” is expressly recited; b) a corresponding function isexpressly recited; and c) structure, material or acts that support thatstructure are expressly recited. Accordingly, the scope of the inventionshould be determined solely by the appended claims and their legalequivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given above.

1. A securing device for securing at least one object for storage ortransport, said securing device comprising: an elongate bendable memberhaving first and second ends, said elongate bendable member comprisingat least one inelastically deformable component having load bearingcapabilities and means for reinforcing said inelastically deformablecomponent situated about at least a portion of said inelasticallydeformable component, said means for reinforcing also having loadbearing capabilities that increase the overall strength of said securingdevice; a first loop provided at a first end of said elongate bendablemember; and a second loop provided at a second end of said elongatebendable member.
 2. The securing device of claim 1, wherein saidelongate bendable member and said first and second loops furthercomprises a protective coating disposed at least partially thereon. 3.The securing device of claim 1, wherein said means for reinforcingcomprises at least one reinforcement fiber operable with saidinelastically deformable component, said reinforcement fiber comprisingload bearing capabilities configured to further reinforce saidinelastically deformable component and contribute to the overallsecuring capabilities of said securing device.
 4. The securing device ofclaim 1, wherein said means for reinforcing comprises a high strength,flexible, low elongation material.
 5. The securing device of claim 1,wherein said means for reinforcing comprises a reinforcement sheath thatsurrounds and encases at least a portion of said inelasticallydeformable component.
 6. The securing device of claim 1, wherein saidinelastically deformable component comprises a flexible wire havingpre-determined load bearing capabilities.
 7. The securing device ofclaim 1, further comprising a plurality of inelastically deformablecomponents collectively assembled to provide said securing device withpre-determined load bearing capabilities.
 8. The securing device ofclaim 1, wherein said first loop is an integral extension of saidelongate bendable member formed by said first end of said elongatebendable member being doubled over upon itself and secured to anotherportion of said elongate bendable member.
 9. The securing device ofclaim 8, further comprising a crimping member configured to crimptogether said first end, as doubled over upon itself, and said portionof said elongate bendable member to secure said first end and said firstloop.
 10. The securing device of claim 8, wherein said first end, asdoubled over upon itself, is wrapped around said portion of saidelongate bendable member at least once to secure said first end and saidfirst loop.
 11. The securing device of claim 1, wherein said second loopis an integral extension of said elongate bendable member formed by saidsecond end of said elongate bendable member being doubled over uponitself and secured to another portion of said elongate bendable member,thus integrally forming said second loop from said elongate bendablemember.
 12. The securing device of claim 11, further comprising acrimping member configured to crimp together said second end, as doubledover upon itself, and said portion of said elongate bendable member tosecure said second end and said second loop.
 13. The securing device ofclaim 11, wherein said second end, as doubled over upon itself, iswrapped around said portion of said elongate bendable member at leastonce to secure said second end and said second loop.
 14. The securingdevice of claim 1, wherein said first and second loops are structurallyindependent of and removably coupled to said elongate bendable member.15. The securing device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said firstand second loops comprises a section break controlled by closing meansconfigured to provide selective access to an eyelet of said loop throughsaid section break.
 16. The securing device of claim 1, wherein saidfirst and second loops are flexible.
 17. The securing device of claim 1,wherein said first and second loops are sized and configured to beinserted into and pass through each other, thus creating and forming atleast one securing configuration.
 18. The securing device of claim 1,wherein said inelastically deformable member is bendable into aninfinite number of positions, with each position capable of beingintrinsically maintained.
 19. The securing device of claim 1, whereinsaid first and second loops are deformable.
 20. The securing device ofclaim 1, wherein said first and second loops further comprise means forreinforcing said first and second loops.
 21. The securing device ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one indicator to identify one ofperformance, geometric, an end, and size characteristics of saidsecuring device.
 22. The securing device of claim 21, wherein saidindicator comprises color coded first and second loops.
 23. The securingdevice of claim 21, wherein said indicator comprises a color codedelongate bendable member.
 24. A securing device for securing at leastone object for storage or transport, said securing device comprising: anelongate bendable member having first and second ends, said elongatebendable member comprising at least one inelastically deformablecomponent having load bearing capabilities and means for reinforcingsaid inelastically deformable component situated about at least aportion of said inelastically deformable component, said means forreinforcing also having load bearing capabilities that increase theoverall strength of said securing device.
 25. The securing device ofclaim 24, further comprising a loop provided at a first end of saidelongate bendable member.
 26. The securing device of claim 24, furthercomprising a loop provided at a second end of said elongate bendablemember.
 27. The securing device of claim 24, further comprising at leastone reinforcement fiber operable with said inelastically deformablecomponent, said reinforcement fiber comprising load bearing capabilitiesconfigured to further reinforce said inelastically deformable componentand said means for reinforcing, thus further increasing the overallstrength of said securing device.
 28. The securing device of claim 27,wherein said reinforcement fibers run substantially parallel to saidinelastically deformable component.
 29. The securing device of claim 27,wherein said reinforcement fibers are coiled about said inelasticallydeformable component.
 30. A securing device for securing at least oneobject for storage or transport, said securing device comprising: anelongate flexible member having first and second ends; a first loopprovided at said first end of said elongate bendable member; and asecond loop provided at said second end of said elongate bendablemember, said first and second loops being sized and configured to beinserted into and pass through each other, thus creating and forming atleast one securing configuration.
 31. The securing device of claim 30,wherein said first and second loops are deformable.
 32. A method forsecuring an object comprising: providing a securing device comprising anelongate bendable member having first and second ends, said elongatebendable member comprising at least one inelastically deformablecomponent having load bearing capabilities and means for reinforcingsaid inelastically deformable component situated about at least aportion of said inelastically deformable component, said means forreinforcing also having load bearing capabilities that increase theoverall strength of said securing device; and manipulating said securingdevice about an object for the purpose of supporting and securing saidobject in a connection configuration.
 33. The method of claim 32,further comprising forming first and second loops on said first andsecond ends of said elongate bendable member, respectively, said firstand second loops facilitating the formation of said securing device intoa plurality of different connection configurations.
 34. A method forsecuring an object comprising: providing a first securing devicecomprising an elongate bendable member and first and second loopslocated at opposing ends of said elongate bendable member, said firstand second loops configured to be inserted into and pass through eachother, thus creating and forming at least one securing configuration;inserting said first loop through said second loop to create a retainingloop; and manipulating said first securing device to secure and supportan object within said retaining loop.
 35. The method of claim 34,further comprising color coding said elongate member and said first andsecond loops.
 36. The method of claim 34, further comprising insertingsaid retaining loop through said first loop to create dual retainingloops.
 37. The method of claim 34, further comprising interconnecting asecond securing device to said first securing device to create a varietyof securing configurations, said second securing device also comprisingan elongate bendable member and first and second loops located atopposing ends of said elongate bendable member.
 38. The method of claim37, wherein said interconnecting comprises inserting a first loop ofsaid first securing device through a first loop of said second securingdevice, thus interconnecting said first and second securing devices. 39.The method of claim 37, wherein said interconnecting comprises:inserting a first loop of said first securing device through a firstloop of said second securing device; and inserting a second loop of saidsecond securing device through said first loop of said first securingdevice, thus interconnecting said first and second securing devices. 40.The method of claim 37, wherein said interconnecting comprises insertinga first loop of said first securing device through said first and secondloops of said second securing device.
 41. The method of claim 40,further comprising inserting a portion of said elongate bendable memberof said second securing device through said first and second loops ofsaid first securing device.